When you think that there are Cattleyas that get two or three feet in height....
Compact usually means that the new pseudobulbs grow close to the old one. Some Cattleyas spread (through the rhizome) out in a pot and take up quite a bit of room. Yours looks like a compact Cattleya to me as the growths are all very close together.
Concerning re-potting them, it is best to do this when there is new growth starting. That way, if the old roots are damaged and die, the new roots that grow will be able to support the Cattleya and it will happily keep growing.
I grow all my Cattleyas in either LECA or red lava rock and in Basket/net pots so that I don't have to disturb the roots.
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